Muhammad Mokaev Accuses UFC of Smearing Cut Fighters

Muhammad Mokaev says UFC bosses warn fighters over the phone to change how they wrestle or risk getting released, then damage those same fighters' reputations publicly once they are cut loose.

The former UFC flyweight contender laid out the claim in a lengthy social media post on October 20, 2026, without naming specific executives or fighters involved. Mokaev described a pattern where athletes get calls telling them "if you keep wrestling like that, you're going to get cut," which he argued amounts to the promotion dictating how a fighter can compete rather than simply evaluating performance.

What Exactly Did Mokaev Say

Muhammad Mokaev's central complaint is that the UFC crosses a line by influencing in-cage strategy under threat of release, then compounds the damage with negative narratives after letting a fighter go. "And if you want to release a fighter, fine," Mokaev wrote. "But don't then publicly say he was 'hard to deal with' or create some bullshit narrative about him that could damage his reputation and make other organizations think twice about signing him." He closed the post with a direct challenge: "Release fighters if you want. Just don't try to damage their careers on the way out."

Mokaev did not identify which releases prompted the rant, and he stopped short of naming the UFC outright, though the context of his own exit makes the target obvious. He left the promotion while widely regarded as the top flyweight contender in the world, and that departure followed a reported behind-the-scenes falling out rather than a clean split. Since then he has kept fighting and winning outside the UFC, most recently with a 42-second finish, and he has publicly called on the promotion to follow through on a reunion he says was promised to him.

Why This Matters for Mokaev's Career Outlook

Mokaev staying active and winning outside the UFC keeps his market value intact even as this war of words continues. At 26, he has time on his side, and continued quick finishes only strengthen any leverage he has if talks with the UFC or a rival promotion ever resume. But comments like this one make a near-term UFC return look less likely, not more. Accusing the promotion of running smear campaigns against released fighters is not the kind of statement that smooths over a prior falling out, and it signals Mokaev is building a public case rather than quietly angling for a reconciliation.

For bettors and matchmakers tracking the flyweight picture, Mokaev's continued absence from the UFC roster removes a dangerous wrestling-heavy threat from a division that could use fresh contenders behind the current title picture. Any promotion willing to sign him would be adding a fighter who, on recent form, looks every bit as live as when he left. Until his next move is official, there is no betting line to speak of here, but his situation is worth watching for anyone who likes to get ahead of a fighter's next promotional home before odds even open.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Muhammad Mokaev say about the UFC releasing fighters?

Muhammad Mokaev alleged that UFC bosses call fighters to warn them about their wrestling style before cutting them, then spread negative narratives about those fighters afterward that make other promotions hesitant to sign them.

Is Muhammad Mokaev still fighting?

Yes, Muhammad Mokaev has continued competing outside the UFC since his release, including a recent win by 42-second finish, and he remains one of the sport's top flyweight talents at age 26.

Will Muhammad Mokaev return to the UFC?

There is no confirmed UFC return for Muhammad Mokaev, and his public criticism of the promotion's handling of released fighters suggests a reunion is not imminent despite past calls for one.